Unconstrained: How Bond Investors Can Embrace Volatility

The recent equity-led spike in market volatility has been a timely reminder of the uncertainty that may arise when unusual late-cycle fiscal stimulus in the world’s largest economy is paired with monetary tightening by the Federal Reserve and other central banks. PIMCO’s base case still envisions an orderly transition as central banks tread the path to policy normalization. However, we think these macro developments raise the tail risks of higher inflation and higher bond yields on one hand if growth accelerates, and wider credit spreads and lower bond yields on the other if central banks overdeliver on monetary tightening.

Unconstrained: Maintain a strong defense while seeking opportunity

One thing seems evident: The period of central-bank-driven low volatility may well be ending. But higher market volatility need not be all bad news for bond investors. Certain investment approaches – including well-designed benchmark-unconstrained bond strategies – may benefit from greater investment flexibility to defend against scenarios that are challenging for bonds while potentially capitalizing on market shifts.

In our view, the key objective of an unconstrained bond strategy is to complement a traditional bond allocation while maintaining a low correlation with stocks. Untethered to traditional bond benchmarks, unconstrained bond strategies can respond to current changing market conditions in various ways, such as:

By avoiding certain fixed income exposures – for instance, positioning more defensively on duration during periods of rising rates

By investing opportunistically in credit markets – focusing on sectors that offer value and resilience while avoiding exposure to areas that appear overvalued

By seeking to take advantage of opportunities in currency and volatility markets

By using the “risk budget” tactically to seize opportunities in the markets – pivoting to high quality investments to preserve capital when entry levels are less attractive, and then striking when the iron is hot

Positioning for unsettled markets

We have recently favored more cautious positioning on duration, specifically going long U.S. duration and short UK, European and Japanese duration. Inflation-protected securities have also been attractive given emerging inflationary pressures and attractive breakeven valuations, and these securities have performed well relative to nominal Treasuries in recent months. We have selectively taken exposure to credit sectors that tend to do well in periods of strong growth and rising rates, along with active positioning in the U.S. dollar versus a basket of emerging market currencies. Given our view of the potential increase in volatility, we have favored tactical reductions in structural option volatility allocations.

An unconstrained approach is not just about defense, however. We are still seeing attractive investment opportunities across the global fixed income markets. We are placing less emphasis on directional strategies and focusing more on relative value opportunities in rates and currency markets. Within credit, we are cautious on generic corporate credit and are instead focusing on active sector and issuer selection. We view a focus on capturing lower-risk forms of carry and tactically managing portfolio volatility as prudent in today’s market.

In short, we think an unconstrained approach may be one way for bond investors to embrace volatility.

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Disclosures

Unconstrained or absolute return portfolios may not fully participate in strong positive market rallies. All investments contain risk and may lose value. Investing in the bond market is subject to risks, including market, interest rate, issuer, credit, inflation risk, and liquidity risk. The value of most bonds and bond strategies are impacted by changes in interest rates. Bonds and bond strategies with longer durations tend to be more sensitive and volatile than those with shorter durations; bond prices generally fall as interest rates rise, and the current low interest rate environment increases this risk. Current reductions in bond counterparty capacity may contribute to decreased market liquidity and increased price volatility. Bond investments may be worth more or less than the original cost when redeemed. Inflation-linked bonds (ILBs) issued by a government are fixed income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation; ILBs decline in value when real interest rates rise. Investing in foreign-denominated and/or -domiciled securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations, and economic and political risks, which may be enhanced in emerging markets. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and may reduce the returns of a portfolio. There is no guarantee that these investment strategies will work under all market conditions or are suitable for all investors and each investor should evaluate their ability to invest long-term, especially during periods of downturn in the market. Investors should consult their investment professional prior to making an investment decision.